Footwear retainer

ABSTRACT

A device to retain Y-strapped footwear, such as flip flop sandals, that is effective to resist the tendency for the footwear to slip off, and that obviates the need for foot-gripping, is simple to add to legacy footwear, relieves ambulatory stress and discomfort, is comfortable to the user, and provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to the footwear. The footwear retainer is preferably an attachable and releasable heel strap or cord having some elasticity and, optionally, adjustability. The heel strap may support attachments, such as, without limitation, ornaments and adjustment mechanisms.

FIELD OF ART

The present invention relates to a retainer, such as an ankle harness,for footwear having a “Y” strap. The present invention more particularlyrelates to an ankle harness for flip flop sandals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a large market for sandals and similar footwear featuring aY-strap that has a stem extending upward from the sole of the footwearand conventionally positioned between the user's toes. Two opposedflexible members extend from near the top of the stem to engage the topof the user's foot and are secured near opposed side edges of the sole.

Flip-flops and other “Y” strap-attached sandals require the foot to gripthe sandal while walking and cannot be safely worn without risk ofslipping off during a variety of activities from walking to running,climbing stairs and escalators, playing sports, riding bikes and anyother activity requiring normal to accelerated ambulatory movement. “Y”straps leave the foot free to escape the flip flop sandal by slippingout, or the footwear slipping off “Y” straps also create a considerableamount of stress on all ambulatory muscles, joints, tendons, nerves andbones by forcing the user to foot-grip the footwear while walking orstanding. It is nearly impossible to run or perform a variety of othermovements while in a “Y” strap attached sandal, including fleeing tosafety.

What is needed is a way to retain Y-strapped footwear that is effectiveto resist the tendency for the footwear from slipping off, and thatobviates the need for foot-gripping, is simple to add to legacyfootwear, relieves ambulatory stress and discomfort, is comfortable tothe user, and provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to thefootwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the invention includes an at least partially elasticflexible loop filament attachable to or proximate to a stem of a Y-strapand configured to engage the heel of the user. The loop filament is madeof material that is comfortable to the skin and the elastic is selectedto provide resistance to the footwear slipping without creatingdiscomfort to the user, as well as enabling comfortable flexing of theuser's foot while walking in the footwear. The loop filament may be astrand with a coupler. The filament may include an attachment, such asan ornament or an adjustment mechanism. In a particular embodiment, thefilament may be permanently attached to the Y-strap near the stem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction withthe following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote likeelements, and

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first exemplaryembodiment of the footwear retainer, according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the first exemplaryembodiment of the footwear retainer of FIG. 1 installed on footwear,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a second exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the fourth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer of FIG. 4 installed on footwear thatis being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear that is beingworn, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodimentof a package of footwear retainers of FIG. 1, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear that is beingworn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first exemplaryembodiment of the footwear retainer 100, according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Footwear retainer 100 includesfilament 102 and coupler 112, illustrated here as a generally annularsplit ring. Filament 102 has first and second ends 104 and 106 havingopenings 110 and 108, respectively that are configured to receivecoupler 112. The diameter 114 of the annular split ring is large enoughto loosely accommodate a stem 206 of a Y-strap 202 (see FIG. 2) as wellas first and second eyelet ends 104 and 106. Coupling of the first andsecond eyelet ends 104 and 106 with the coupler 112 creates a filamentloop. The filament 102 includes elastic along at least a portion of itslength and an exterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In apreferred embodiment, filament 102 is adjustable in length. In someembodiments, filament 102 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding torespective footwear sizes. Coupler 112 is intended to be worn above thetoes 504 and 506 (see FIG. 5) and preferably has a surface that iscomfortable to the user's skin and a pleasing appearance. Filament 102and coupler 112 may support various aesthetically attractive designs andcolors, and have various textures within the constraint of beingcomfortable to wear. For non-limiting example, the surface of filament102 may have areas of high specular reflectivity. While coupler 112 isillustrated as a split ring, various other types of filament connectorsmay be used within the scope of the present invention. Filaments 102 arepreferably sold at least in pairs. Filament 102 may have any crosssectional shape. For non-limiting example, filament 102 may be a cord ora strap. Filament 102 may be a polymer, woven material, or a flexiblecomposite.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the first exemplaryembodiment of the footwear retainer 100 of FIG. 1 installed on footwear216, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Footwear 216 includes a sole 204 and a Y-strap 202 that includes a stem206 attached to the sole 204 at junction 218. Y-strap 202 also includesfirst and second strap members 208 and 210 which extend divergently fromthe top of the stem to strap member junctions 214 and 212, respectively.Coupler 112 is shown engaging the stem 206 and first and second eyeletends 104 and 106 of filament 102. In use, the user inserts the user'sfoot 502 (see FIG. 5) through the filament loop and lifts the filamentonto the user's heel. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by thepresent disclosure, will understand the various types and designs ofconnectors 112 that may be used without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a second exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer 300 installed on footwear 216,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Filament302 includes elastic along at least a portion of its length and has anexterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In a preferredembodiment, filament 302 is adjustable in length. In some embodiments,filament 302 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respectivefootwear 216 sizes. First and second ends 304 and 306 of filament 302attach to Y-strap 202 on first and second strap members 208 and 210,respectively, making a portion of the Y-strap 202 part of a filamentloop. Attachment is preferably permanent as by sewing, adhesion, ormechanical connection. In some embodiments, the attachment may betemporary using, for non-limiting example, clamps on first and secondends 304 and 306. In a preferred embodiment, filament 302 is adjustablein length. In other embodiments, filament 302 is sold in a variety ofsizes corresponding to respective footwear 216 sizes. Filament 302 maysupport various aesthetically attractive designs and colors, and havevarious textures within the constraint of being comfortable to wear.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer 400 installed on footwear 216,according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Footwearretainer 400 is one continuous filament loop 402 connected to stem 206using a simple knot 404. To make the knot 404, a small bite 406 offilament loop 402 is extended past one side of the stem 206, and theremainder of the filament loop 402 is wrapped around the stem 206 andpassed through the bite 406. Preferably, filament loop 402 is made of asoft material with a comfortable surface, as the knot 404 will typicallybe worn between the toes 504 and 506 (see FIG. 5). The filament loop 402includes elastic along at least a portion of its length and has anexterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In a preferredembodiment, filament loop 402 may be adjusted in size by additionalwrapping around and passes through the bite 406 when making knot 404, orby other means described below. In other embodiments, filament loop 402is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respective footwearsizes. Filament 402 may support various aesthetically attractive designsand colors, and have various textures within the constraint of beingcomfortable to wear.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the fourth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer 400 of FIG. 4 installed on footwear216 that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Knot 404 is shown on stem 206 between the user'stoes 505 and 506. Filament loop 402 extends around the user's heel 508to elastically bias the user's foot 502 into the footwear 216 and toresist rearward movement of the user's foot 502 relative to the footwear216.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer 600 installed on footwear 216 that isbeing worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Filament loop 602, which may be any embodiment of the presentinvention, supports an attachment 604, exemplified here, withoutlimitation, as an ornament 604. In a particular embodiment, attachment604 may be attached to coupler 112. In another embodiment, attachment604 may be connected between filament ends 304 and 306 and receiveadditional support from Y-strap 202.

FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodimentof a package 702 of footwear retainers of FIG. 1, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Filaments 102 arepreferably sold at least in pairs, and more preferably in multiple setsof pairs having various exterior designs in packages 702. Likewise,filaments 302, 402, and 602, and other filaments and footwear retainersdescribed herein, are preferably sold at least in pairs, and morepreferably in multiple sets of pairs having various exterior aestheticdesigns in packages 702. In the case of embodiment 600, variousattachments may be included in package 702. Those of skill in the art,enlightened by the present disclosure, will comprehend the wide varietyof packages that will suffice as package 702. Package 702 may optionallycontain attachments 604 and/or 806 (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplaryembodiment of a footwear retainer 800 installed on footwear 816 that isbeing worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Footwear 816 includes sole 804 and Y-strap 812, whichincludes a stem (not visible in this view) supporting a knot in filament802 between toes 504 and 506. Y-strap 812 also includes first and secondstrap members 808 and 810 which extend divergently from the top of thestem to respective strap member junctions, 818 and a second junction notvisible in this view, with the sole 804. Filament 802 may be any of theillustrated filaments 102, 302, 402, or 602 or filaments describedabove. For purposes of illustration, filament 802 will be treated assimilar to filament loop 402. Filament loop 802 is made adjustable by anattachment, namely, an exemplary releasable spring-loaded cord lock 806.Cord lock 806 may be any of the commercially available types or a customcord lock. A bite 814 of filament loop 802 is inserted through the cordlock 806 when button 820 is manually depressed against the bias of aninternal spring, and the cord lock is slid along the filament 802 untilthe fit is suitable to the user. Then the button 820 is released,locking the cord lock 806 in place and maintaining the fit. In aparticular embodiment, cord lock 806 may support an attachment such as,without limitation, an ornament.

The cord lock 806 is merely exemplary of the wide variety of devices andmeans for adjusting the used length of a filament 802. In a particularembodiment, filament 802 may be a single stand with two finished endsinstead of the bite 814. In another embodiment, filament 802 may be asingle stand with two finished ends that are connected together bymeans, such as sewing, stapling, fusing, or adhering, that allow theconnected ends to pass through the cord lock 806. In yet anotherembodiment, filament 802 may be a single strand made adjustable using atautline hitch or similarly functional knot.

The advantages of the present invention are that it provides a way toretain Y-strapped footwear that is effective to resist the tendency forthe footwear to slip off, and that obviates the need for foot-gripping,is simple to add to legacy footwear, relieves ambulatory stress anddiscomfort, is comfortable to the user, and provides an aestheticallypleasing addition to the footwear.

I claim:
 1. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strap connectedto a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainer comprising: a.a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticity along at least aportion of its length; ii. said length being one of:
 1. proportional toa shoe size of said footwear; and
 2. adjustable; iii. a surface that iscomfortable to a user's skin; and b. a configuration adapted to couplesaid flexible filament to said Y-strap.
 2. The footwear retainer ofclaim 1, further comprising said footwear retainer coupled to saidfootwear.
 3. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising apackage containing at least one pair of said footwear retainers.
 4. Thefootwear retainer of claim 1, wherein said flexible filament comprises aloop adapted to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at least oneknot.
 5. The footwear retainer of claim 1, wherein said flexiblefilament comprises one of: a. a strap; b. a cord; c. a polymer; d. afabric; and e. a flexible composite.
 6. The footwear retainer of claim1, wherein said filament comprises first and second eyelet ends, saidfootwear retainer further comprising a coupler adapted to couple bothsaid first and second eyelet ends of said filament to a stem of saidY-strap.
 7. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising firstand second couplers adapted to couple respective first and second endsof said filament to first and second opposed flexible members of saidY-strap.
 8. The footwear retainer of claim 7, wherein said first andsecond couplers comprise permanent attachments between respective saidfirst and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap and respectivesaid first and second ends of said filament.
 9. The footwear retainer ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one attachment attached to saidfilament.
 10. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strapconnected to a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainercomprising: a. a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticityalong at least a portion of its length; ii. said length being one of: 1.proportional to a shoe size of said footwear; and
 2. adjustable; iii. asurface that is comfortable to a user's skin; b. a configuration adaptedto couple said flexible filament to said Y-strap; and c. wherein saidflexible filament comprises one of a polymer, fabric, and a flexiblecomposite.
 11. The footwear retainer of claim 10, further comprisingsaid footwear retainer coupled to said footwear.
 12. The footwearretainer of claim 10, wherein said flexible filament comprises anadaptation to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at least oneknot.
 13. The footwear retainer of claim 10, wherein said filamentcomprises first and second eyelet ends, said footwear retainer furthercomprising a coupler adapted to couple both said first and second eyeletends of said filament to a stem of said Y-strap.
 14. The footwearretainer of claim 10, further comprising first and second couplersadapted to couple respective first and second ends of said filament tofirst and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap.
 15. Thefootwear retainer of claim 14, wherein said first and second couplerscomprise permanent attachments between respective said first and secondopposed flexible members of said Y-strap and respective said first andsecond ends of said filament.
 16. The footwear retainer of claim 10,further comprising at least one of: a. an attachment attached to saidfilament; and b. a package containing at least one pair of said footwearretainers.
 17. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strapconnected to a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainercomprising: a. a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticityalong at least a portion of its length; ii. said length being one of: 1.proportional to a shoe size of said footwear; and
 2. adjustable; iii. asurface that is comfortable to a user's skin; b. a configuration adaptedto couple to said Y-strap; c. wherein said flexible filament comprisesone of a polymer, fabric, and flexible composite; and d. wherein saidflexible filament comprises one of a strap and a cord.
 18. The footwearretainer of claim 17, further comprising said footwear retainer coupledto said footwear.
 19. The footwear retainer of claim 17, comprising atleast one of: a. an adaptation to said flexible filament enabling saidflexible filament to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at leastone knot; b. first and second eyelet ends of said filament, saidfootwear retainer further comprising a coupler adapted to couple bothsaid first and second eyelet ends of said filament to said stem of saidY-strap; c. first and second couplers adapted to couple respective firstand second ends of said filament to first and second opposed flexiblemembers of said Y-strap; d. permanent attachments between respectivesaid first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap andrespective said first and second ends of said filament; and e. a packagecontaining at least one pair of said footwear retainers.
 20. Thefootwear retainer of claim 17, further comprising at least oneattachment attached to said filament.